Thailand calls for nonviolent end to protest

Police told to clear demonstrators from airports peacefully

BANGKOK, Thailand 
Thailand's government backed off today from its threat to forcibly remove protesters occupying Bangkok's two airports in their campaign to oust the prime minister, saying police would avoid violence and attempt to negotiate.

Thousands of tourists have been left stranded since anti-government protesters occupied the main international Suvarnabhumi airport Tuesday and the smaller Don Muang airport Wednesday. Both airports are shut down and the capital is cut off from air traffic.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat declared a state of emergency at the airports, authorizing police to take back the terminals. The order appeared to indicate that a crackdown was imminent against the members of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

But eight hours later, government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said police have been instructed to get the protesters out of airports “as soon as possible” in a “peaceful manner.”

“Firstly, the police should open negotiation with the protester. If they refuse to go, police should do whatever is necessary to open the airports on the basis of nonviolence,” he said.